Gaiole

Gaiole in Chianti has developed along the valley of the River Massellone due to its idea position as a trading and meeting point and its origins are based in these very geographical characteristics.

The Gaiole in Chianti has developed along the valley of the River Massellone due to its idea position as a trading and meeting point and its origins are based in these very geographical characteristics.
In fact, even prior to the year 1000 the hills surrounding this valley were populated and it was these inhabitants who came down into the valley to meet and trade; they gave life to the centre that then became the main focal point of the whole valley.
Offcial documents dating back to 1215 show its importance as a trading post and this was to carry on expanding with the constitution of the "Lega del Chianti" in 1300 with Gaiole as the head of the "terzieri" together with Radda and Castellina.
The "Leghe" formed the basis for political and administrative division in the country areas under Florence and when necessary provided both money and soldiers. For four centuries the borough of gaiole was considered the border between Florence and Siena and was consequently a target for raids and plundering until the definitive fall of Siena in 1555.
The system of the "Leghe" remained with both the Medici and the Lorena until 1776 when the "terzieri" of Chianti became the actual boroughs of to day.

History:
Settlement in the area around Gaiole undoubtedly began in extremely ancient times, as attested by numerous place names of Etruscan and Latin origin as well as by archaeological evidence found at Cacchiano (remains of a 2nd- and 3rd-century cemetery) and at the San Marcellino parish church. The ancient settlements would seem to have been concentrated in the communities of San Giusto in Salcio, San Polo in Rosso and Spaltenna, in the mediaeval diocese of Fiesole, and San Vincenti at Arezzo. All these parish churches have preserved their original floor plans as well as highly interesting traces of Roman structures. Many of the parish chapels that are dependencies of these churches are also noteworthy for the same reason. The countryside around Gaiole is dotted with many castles due to the strong influence of the Firidolfi family, from whom the Ricasolis are descended, and later, by the Florentine Republic’s need for defensive positions. In some cases the ancient castles have been transformed into villas. Among them are Meleto, San Donato in Perano, Rentennano and San Giusto alle Monache. Brolio castle, cradle of the Ricasoli family, is a special case. Its defenses were rebuilt near the end of the 15 C, perhaps by Giuliano da San Gallo, and were one of the first examples of ramparts supplemented by bastions. Baron Bettino Ricasoli rebuilt the castle in the 19 C, converting it into a villa in neo-Gothic style. The existence of so many castles in the immediate area was responsible for the rise of Gaiole as a marketplace. It is located on the valley floor along the road leading from the Chianti area to the upper Arno Valley. Gaiole is mentioned for the first time toward the end of the 11 C.

Castle of Tornano:The Castle of Tornano stands crowning a hill in the heart of the Chianti area, equipped with one of the most beautiful and particular Keep between all those of the medieval castles of Tuscany. In the first years of the 11th century Tornano was seat of a curtis and its name appears many times, in the documents conserved in the near Abbey of Coltibuono, as place where were stipulated many contracts . The castle was ownership of the senese nobleman Guarnellotto dei Mezzolombardi. He came in contrasts with the emperor Frederick I and in 1167 Tornano was gave in fief to Ranieri de' Firidolfi Ricasoli but Guarnellotto, supported by Siena, maintained the control of this castle and of the nearby castle of Campi.
Only when the castle became part of the Florentine peasantry was subtracted to the control of Guarnellotto, but Siena never renounced to Tornano that, thanks to its position on a hill at control of the Massellone torrent, was one of the most important strongholds on the chessboards of the Chianti region. In the 1229, after a long siege, the Sienese army conquered the castle to loss it definitively only six years after. In 1400 Tornano was strongly fortified by the Ricasoli and during the Aragonese invasions it was never overcome by the enemy troops. There was nothing to do in the 1530 when imperial troops shaved it partially to the ground.

Gaiole in Chianti: discover the surroundings

Brolio Castle
The Brolio castle has a Longobard origin, although today of the ancient original small fortress remain only the location. Read more

Meleto castle
Like in a fairytale, the Castle of Meleto stands out in the enchanting Chianti landscape at the end of a nice avenue lined with cypress-trees and junipers, in the middle of sun-kissed fields and vineyards. Read more

Radda in Chianti (5 km)
Radda in Chianti is the vineyard village. From the high ground on which it was built in the middle ages, between the waters of the rivers Arbia and Pesa, you gaze over a very dense interweave of vineyards. Read more

Castellina in Chianti (12 km)
The centre of Castellina in Chianti built up area is the ancient fortress designed in the second half of the fifteenth century by the great architect Giuliano da Sangallo. Read more

Castelnuovo Berardenga (15 km)
The municipal territory of Castelnuovo Berardenga extends for 177,03 square kilometres between the plain and the hills of the high valley of the river Ombrone. Read more

Montefioralle (16 km)
The village of Montefioralle is probably one of the most ancient in Chianti and is still today enclosed within its original walls. Read more

Greve in Chianti (16 km)
In the ancient times, Greve in Chianti was a small built-up area of the territory called "Agro di Florentia", even if expert and researchers of the Etruscan civilization claim that it can date back to a previous century. Read more

The Valdarno (17 km)
The territory of the Valdarno is singular and picturesque and begins from the point at which, near Arezzo, the river changes direction and heads north. Read more

Accommodations in the area

Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown.
Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo

The Relais Della Rovere is a charming hotel created from the conversion of an ancient Benedictine abbey and a papal villa of the Renaissance period.Set in Colle Val d'Elsa, in the heart of the Chianti area, it is strategically located among Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra.

In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts.

La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces.

Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites

La Fornace di Racciano is a lovely Bed&Breakfast a short distance from the historical centre of medieval San Gimignano. It consists of a typical Tuscan country house surrounded by a large flowery garden. La Fornace di Racciano consists of seven comfortable rooms and four apartments, two of which are located in the ancient hamlet of Racciano.

Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.

The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence.

Immersed in the verdant countryside around the noble town of Montepulciano, that boasts ancient Etruscan origins, Le Caggiole Estate is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized treasures.
In a relaxing and cosy atmosphere uests are offered three comfortable, quiet double rooms with private bathrooms and two comfortable apartments for two persons and for small family groups.